Anthony Davis to replace Kobe Bryant on All-Star roster

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, scoring against the Lakers in a November 2013 game, will take Kobe Bryant's place on the Western Conference All-Star team. (Bill Haber / Associated Press)

On Friday, Kobe Bryant's spot on the 2014 NBA All-Star was officially filled by New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Anthony Davis.

Bryant was voted in by the fans, but a knee injury has the Lakers guard sidelined for at least the next few weeks.

Davis will get the chance to play in front of his home crowd on Feb. 16 in the newly named Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Commissioner Adam Silver, in one of his first public moves since taking over for David Stern last week, chose Davis over other such candidates as Goran Dragic (Phoenix), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento) and DeAndre Jordan (Clippers).

In his second year, Davis is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.3 blocks a game.

Oklahoma City Thunder Coach Scott Brooks, who will be coaching the Western Conference squad, will decide which All-Star will replace Bryant in the starting lineup.